By a 4-0 vote Tuesday night, the Mathews County School Board adopted its 2020-2021 budget. The $15.12 million budget is a far cry from what was originally sought, a decrease of more than $1.6 million from its initial draft, as the board made adjustments due to declining state revenue because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The four school members met for roughly a half hour in the Mathews High School media center, with each member sitting at his or her own table, as well as separate tables for the superintendent and school board clerk. School board member Desmond Smith was absent.

Gone from the original budget were any salary increases (the original budget included a 5 percent raise, and a step increase), as well as a proposed pre-kindergarten initiative. Superintendent of Schools Nancy Welch indicated there were also a couple positions that were vacant and will not be refilled, as well as cutting one bus run.

While there is no raise for employees, Welch said that she was able to a...